FG Validates Jigawa As First Open Defecation-Free State

Jigawa state has been validated by the Federal Government as the first open defecation-free state in Nigeria.

Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, made the announcement on Thursday at a world press conference on the forthcoming World Toilet Conference which will hold in Nigeria next month.

He said, “As of today we have 85 Local Government Areas certified open defecation-free. It might interest you to note that Jigawa State has blazed the trail as the first state to become open defecation-free.

“They deserve commendation for their dedication to the work of becoming open defecation free.”

Adamu said the national campaign to end open defecation was approved by Federal Executive Council on May 8, 2019, with the aim of mobilising all strata of the society in fighting the menace.

“About 48 million people were said to be defecating in the open, according to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene National Routine Mapping Survey.

The national campaign proper was flagged off on November 18, 2019 by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo,” he stated.